ATLANTA — Running back Ezekiel Elliott is inactive as expected for Dallas in Sunday’s game at the Atlanta Falcons, leaving Rico Dowdle and Dalvin Cook to lead the ground game as the Cowboys look to end a two-game losing streak.

The Cowboys did not disclose the reason when they announced Saturday that Elliott would not accompany the team to Atlanta.

Elliott misses a game for the first time in eight two-stage seasons with the Cowboys for reasons other than injury, suspension or games where the stakes couldn’t justify running back. ESPN cited anonymous sources to report that the absence was for disciplinary reasons.

The Cowboys (3-4) were without defensive end Micah Parsons (ankle) and cornerback DaRon Bland (foot) in a big game as they look to get back to .500 and revive their playoff hopes.

Cornerback Trevon Diggs is active after testing his sore calf in pregame warmups. Linebacker Erick Kendricks, who has been questionable with a shoulder injury, is also available to play.

Elliott, 29, is averaging a career-low 3.1 yards per carry. He rushed for just 149 yards on 48 attempts with two touchdowns. The Cowboys rank last in the NFL with 74 yards per game on the ground. Quarterback Dak Prescott has the team’s only other rushing touchdown.

Cook was lifted from the practice squad for the second straight game. Dowdle leads the team with 246 rushing yards.

Notable names on the Falcons’ inactive list are linebackers Troy Andersen (knee) and JD Bertrand (concussion). Right fielder Chris Lindstrom (knee) is available.